Mini Satin
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Miniature Satin (BRC name), Satinette (original name)
From United States. The ARBA breed list gives Ohio; the breed was miniaturised from the Satin, itself a US breed from Indiana.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
PetGuide and Animal Corner give 3-4.5 lb; ARBA maximum 4.75 lb; the UK Miniature Satin is listed at 4-5 lb (1.8-2.3 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short satin fur with a high sheen on a compact body
A small, rounded, short-coupled rabbit with a full, round head and upright ears. Its short coat carries the satin gene, which gives the fur a glassy, almost metallic shine and a very smooth feel.431
Personality what they are like
A mild, easy-going little rabbit that enjoys play and settles happily with familiar people. It can be a bit shy with strangers, so gentle, regular handling from a young age helps it grow confident.43
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily time out of its enclosure to run and explore; Animal Corner suggests at least three hours of free-roaming exercise a day.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush about twice a week with a slicker brush, a little more often during the spring and autumn moults. Do not bathe; spot-clean with a damp cloth if needed.43
Home where they are happiest
Best kept indoors in a solid-floored enclosure with room to sleep, eat and play; Animal Corner gives 24 x 36 inches as a minimum cage size, plus daily exercise space. Spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly.43
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mostly grass hay (around 70% of the diet), a small daily portion of high-fibre pellets (no more than about a quarter cup for this size), fresh leafy greens and vegetables, the occasional bit of fruit as a treat, and fresh water at all times.43
Company who they like around
Friendly and people-oriented when socialised early; benefits from daily interaction and play time.43
The story where it all began
The full-size Satin began in the 1930s when Walter Huey noticed a shiny-coated mutation in his Havanas. Several breeders tried to shrink the Satin from the 1970s onward, and J. Leo Collins finally succeeded after obtaining a Certificate of Development in 1999, starting with red and white lines. ARBA accepted the breed in 2005 (white first), and many more colours followed.432
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was originally named the Satinette before becoming the Mini Satin.2
- 2
When ARBA accepted it in 2005 it became the 47th recognised breed, and it was showable in white only at first.2
- 3
Its shine comes from a recessive satin gene that first turned up in a litter of Havana rabbits in the 1930s.3
- 4
In the UK the breed is shown as the Miniature Satin and only in the Ivory colour.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised in 2005 as the 47th ARBA breed after J. Leo Collins presented it; originally called the Satinette and first accepted in white only. Maximum weight 4.75 lb; 16 showable varieties at the time ARBA's breed page was written. National club: American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association.2
- ARBA
- PetGuide and Animal Corner date the acceptance of the red-eyed white variety to 2006.4
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised as the Miniature Satin, 4-5 lb, in Ivory only.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mini Satin. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Mini Satin?
Unlimited grass hay should be available every day, and Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily. Give a small portion of high-fibre pellets (no more than about a quarter cup) and fresh leafy greens once a day, plus a tiny fruit treat occasionally. Always provide fresh water.435 Furry Diary plan
What should a Mini Satin eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly grass hay (about 70%), with a small daily portion of high-fibre pellets, fresh leafy greens and vegetables, and occasional fruit as a treat. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes, never give these.4356
Should I bathe a Mini Satin?
No, you should not bathe a Mini Satin. If needed, spot-clean with a damp cloth. Bathing can stress them and harm their coat.43
Does a Mini Satin need brushing?
Yes, brush about twice a week with a slicker brush, and more often during spring and autumn moults. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, and daily while moulting.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Mini Satin's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, your vet can show you how. Teeth never stop growing, so check them weekly and provide plenty of hay to wear them down. Furry Diary's plan includes a weekly teeth check and nail trims every six weeks. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Mini Satin need?
They need daily time out of their enclosure to run and explore, Animal Corner suggests at least three hours of free-roaming exercise a day. Furry Diary's plan recommends at least four hours of running space daily. Indoors, a solid-floored enclosure of at least 24 x 36 inches is a good minimum.3 Furry Diary plan
Should a Mini Satin live alone or with friends?
Mini Satins are friendly and people-oriented when socialised early, so they can live alone with plenty of daily interaction. However, rabbits are social animals, so consider a neutered companion if you can provide proper introductions. Ask a good breeder or vet for advice.43
Is a Mini Satin a good pet for children?
They are mild and easy-going, but can be shy with strangers. With gentle, regular handling from a young age, they can be good for calm, supervised children. Always teach children to handle them gently.43
How do I hold a Mini Satin?
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never pick them up by the ears or scruff. Handle gently and regularly from a young age to build trust. If unsure, ask a vet or experienced rabbit owner for a demonstration.43
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, BRC recognition, UK weight and colour
- ARBA - Mini Satin arba.netused for ARBA recognition, max weight, history
- The Mini Satin Rabbit - Animal Corner animalcorner.orgused for history, lifespan, care, cage size
- Mini Satin Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, care
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.